Meet the instructor · Andrea Butje has been teaching courses in the therapeutic uses of essential oils since 1995
Aromahead Institute
www.Aromahead.com
Aromhead Institute is excited to be one of the first approved sponsors in New York!
Complete all 36 of your required CEU's through Aromahead Institute's online and in-person classes.
All of Aromahead Institute online courses are written by Andrea Butje and Cindy Black. All exams, photography, lessons, reviews, and videos have been developed specifically for these classes. All course material is original, engaging and clearly organized.
All in-person and online classes are approved for New York State Massage Therapy CEU's!
Summer 2012 In-Person Classes, Ithaca NY
Essential OIl Chemistry
Essential oils are made up of a wide variety of chemical components. The medicinal properties of essential oils can be explored, in part, by looking at the research on the individual components within an oil.
Aromahead Institute’s component database, organized and summarized by Robert Tisserand, is an up-to-date compendium of the component research that has been conducted over the past several decades. Tisserand’s discerning ability to read, review and summarize research work has greatly contributed to our understanding of individual essential oil components.
There is a difference between what the research tells us about individual components and the entirety of the essential oils themselves. We must always consider the context of the research along with the dose and method of application of the component. Additionally, it is important to recognize that animal research does not always apply to humans. The research on components can be used as a guideline with the understanding that topical use of essential oils on humans may not illicit identical results.
I have found that when a component is very high in an essential oil, that essential oil is likely to have very similar therapeutic actions as the component itself. These similar actions are dependent upon a few factors. The oil must, of course, be a 100% pure essential oil, not oxidized, and the dose and method of application need to be appropriate for the situation.
For example, in the last 5 years Aromahead Institute has imported and tested 10 batches of grapefruit essential oil (Citrus paradisi). The GC/MS test results have shown that these various batches are approximately 93-95% d-limonene. It therefore follows that the medicinal actions of limonene would be very similar to the medicinal actions of grapefruit essential oil. Of course the smaller, trace remaining components also play a role in the action and aroma of grapefruit essential oil. We could theorize that the trace component actions support and enhance the actions of limonene.
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Essential Oil
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Country of origin
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Percentage of limonene
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Elemi (Canarium luzonicum)
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Phillipines
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52-56%
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Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
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USA, South Africa
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93-95%
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Lemon (Citrus limon)
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Spain, Sicily, South Africa
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63-73%
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Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
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South Africa, Peru, Mexico
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48-53%
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Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
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Sicily, Brazil, Spain
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91-93%
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Orange (Citrus sinensis)
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South Africa, Costa Rica
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92-97 %
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Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens)
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Ecuador
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63-65%
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* Percentage of d-limonene (based on oils imported and batch tested with GC/MS by Aromahead Institute over 10 years)
A summary of d-limonene’s evidence based medicinal properties from Aromahead Institute’s Component database indicates the following:
- Activates white blood cells
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Antiobesity
- Antioxidant
- Antitumoral
- Antiulcerogenic
- Immunostimulant
- Skin penetration enhancer
When dealing with a cold or flu, citrus oils offer immune support and a sense of wellbeing. Although not proven to be specifically antiviral, d-limonene supports the immune system to resolve colds, flu and infection quite effectively. As Robert mentions on the d-limonene datasheet, the immunostimulant effects of d-limonene in rodent studies include stimulating lymphocyte proliferation, increasing the total white blood cell count, increasing the number and phagocytic activity of macrophages, and stimulating antibody production and enhanced natural killer cell activity (references on the datasheet).
When addressing a muscle injury, citrus oils combined with other anti-inflammatory oils, can help reduce inflammation and the pain that can be associated with it. They can also accelerate the rate at which other essential oils penetrate the skin, thereby allowing for a faster absorption.
In a randomized clinical trial for acute bronchitis, a combination of α-pinene, limonene and 1,8 cineole produced better results than the some antibiotics (see datasheet medicinal actions, paragraph 3 and 4) The research was on Myrtol, a capsule for oral ingestion containing 20 mg α-pinene, 75 mg d-limonene and 75 mg 1,8 cineole (see d-limonene datasheet for references).
alpha-pinene
d-limonene
1,8 cineole
35 mg of essential oil equals approximately 1 drop (this of course varies depending on the size of the drop). I have taken this formula and adapted it with great success for inhalation and topical use with a cold or flu in order to reduce spasmodic coughing, congestion, sinus pain and support expectoration. I would suspect these adapted formulas help a respiratory infection heal faster.
Inhaler for cold or flu with a spastic cough
2 drop Frankincense, Boswellia carteri (about 50% a-pinene) *
8 drops Orange, Citrus sinensis (over 90% d-limonene)
8 drops Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus radiata (over 90% 1,8 cineole)\
Add drops to a blank inhaler and use several times daily during the acute phase of the illness.
*Frankincense can vary significantly in its chemistry. I suggest checking the batch specific GC/MS to be sure your oil has about 50% α-pinene. If not, Pinion Pine frequently has that much α-pinene.
Blank Inhalers
Picture compliments of Aromatics International
Lotion for after your shower or bath
2 drop Frankincense, Boswellia carteri (about 50% a-pinene)
8 drops Grapefruit, Citrus sinensis (over 90% d-limonene)
8 drops Helichrysum, Helichrysum gymnocephalum (over 65% 1,8 cineole)
Add the drops to 1 oz. of organic unscented lotion.
These essential oils can also be blended into aloe vera gel and used as a hand sanitizer, or added to jojoba wax for as a skin rub during a cold or flu.
If this has stimulated your interest in limonene, you can do a search for oils high in d-limonene (or any specific component) by using a great, free search tool on Aromatics International website.
- Go to www.aromaticsinternational.com. On the top of the page there is a sub navigation bar with various tool. Click on the Chemical Components link. On the first “Select Search Criteria” drop down list click on the right side arrow and click again on “Greater than or equal to.” Put the number 50 in the box.
- Now go to the right and click on the next drop down list called “Select Component” and click on that right arrow. Scroll down the long list of chemical names until you get to d-limonene and click on it. You can also use your keyboard and type an “d” and it will drop you down the list to the components that begin with “d”.
- Now click View Oils. You will see a list of the oils that have 50% or more d-limonene in them.
- Now go back and change the percentage to 75% and try again. This gives you a smaller range of oils with a higher percentage.
This is a fast and efficient tool to find any individual component you are interested in and see what oils might contain it. The search results include the 115 oils listed on the site. I have spent hours playing with this tool! Sometimes there are no oils with the component I am curious about, but sometimes I make wonderful discoveries about the healing qualities of oils with which I am less familiar.
By combining an awareness of the individual component’s therapeutic actions with the other blending approaches (the aroma, plant energetics, the client constitution, the plant parts etc.) we can offer a deeply holistic approach.
Andrea Butje started teaching Aromatherapy certification programs in 1998. She then established Aromahead Institute (www.aromahead.com). Aromahead Institute is approved by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) and the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA).
Aromahead Institute grew from offering one Aromatherapy certification program a year in 1998 to an internationally recognized school offering both in-person and online classes.
Students at Aromahead Institute can, much like at a traditional university, create curriculums tailored to the range of their needs and interests. There are introductory level classes right through to advanced levels of learning such as the 235-hour Aromatherapy Certification Program or the first-of-its-kind 400 hour Scholar's Program, which is designed to meet the highest level of Aromatherapy Certification available in the United States. The Scholar's Program provides an inspiring combination of courses leading to qualification to practice as a Clinical Aromatherapist and join the Alliance of International Aromatherapists as a clinical member.
This program, as well as most of the class offerings, may be completed in-person, online or through a combination of both. Live classes are taught in Ithaca, New York and/or St. Petersburg, Florida.
Regardless of venue, Aromahead Institute emphasizes hands on experience with essential oils and their many mediums. Students are encouraged to begin creating therapeutic essential oil blends in both live classes and in the self-study, online courses. This highly applicable form of learning supports the theory and science behind aromatherapy.
Andrea Butje teaches from a multi-dimensional perspective dynamically blending research-based information with an intuitive understanding of plants and essential oils. Her warm, enthusiastic approach enables students to learn potentially difficult subjects like chemistry and anatomy with ease. Her use of patience, humor and repetition creates a comfortable learning environment for students from any background.
Aromahead Institute also creates a stream of continuing education with its monthly newsletter and weekly blog posts. Included are business tips, information on essential oil distillers, recipes, essential oil profiles, resources and much more. Anyone is welcome to sign up for the monthly newsletter: www.aromahead.com/newsletters, or to sign up for the weekly blog to be sent to their email: http://www.aromahead.com/blog/
Additionally, as Andrea travels around the world to work and develop connections with essential oil distillers, she photograph all the distillers and their plants. You are welcome to visit her Flickr photo stream: www.flickr.com/photos/aromahead
The long-term and continued development of Aromahead Institute has led to the development of two businesses that facilitate the growth of the field of aromatherapy – The Component Database and the International Directory of Essential Oil Distillers – both of which are described below.
The Component Database (components.aromahead.com) is the culmination of research conducted over the past several decades. Our database gives Aromatherapists, researchers and health practitioners the ability to look up the evidence based medicinal properties of essential oil chemical components. The database has been thoroughly edited and reviewed by the highly acclaimed aromatherapist, Robert Tisserand.
The information provided in this database makes blending for specific health concerns from a researched scientific perspective simple. The ability to understand the therapeutic properties of the individual components helps GC/MS results to come alive and impart meaning.
The database is organized for easy reference to the medicinal actions of the individual components and the research on these components. Each component has a specific page detailing:
• Molecular structure
• Chemical family
• Researched therapeutic properties
• Medicinal actions
• Research references
• Essential oils high in the component
• Safety considerations
The component database offers advanced custom search features. You can search for components by chemical family and/or specific health issues. For example, if you are interested in all the components that will offer an analgesic effect, you can choose “analgesic,” submit your search and discover a list of analgesic components. You then click on each component for more information about that component.
You may subscribe to the database at components.aromahead.com for $300 for the year with a yearly renewal fee of just $75 a year.
The International Directory of Essential Oil Distillers (www.distillerdirectory.com)
The International Directory of Essential Oil Distillers connects individuals and businesses with essential oil distillers and handpicked distributors from around the world. Potential distillers fill out a questionnaire that helps Andrea determine whether the distiller is a good fit for the database. Samples of the distillers’ oils are tested with GC/MS to assure quality. Only distillers that produce oils without the use of herbicides and pesticides are added to the list.
This easy-to-use directory features distillers from a wide variety of countries. Each distiller has a profile with pictures, a list of the oils produced, contact information and stories about the distiller and their business. Subscribers can search and sort to find specific oils and all the distillers that sell those oils.
In most cases, Aromahead Institute founder Andrea Butje has worked personally with the distillers and distributors listed and continues to update the directory regularly.
The directory is of no cost to the distillers and suppliers listed. Andrea enjoys supporting the distillers that dedicate their lives to the passionate and labor-intensive work of growing, harvesting, distilling and selling high quality essential oils for medicinal use.
The subscriber fee of $250.00 supports the ongoing work of this project and the opportunity for distillers to promote their essential oils. The renewal fee is just $50 a year.
The depth of the database’s information allows subscribers to get an inside look at distillers before contacting and importing their essential oils. It is an amazing resource that offers a doorway into the wonderful world of buying oils directly from distillers.
Andrea is always interested in connecting with other Aromatherapists. Please feel free to contact her at andrea@aromahead.com.
Online Aromatherapy Classes with Andrea Butje
Essential Living eBook
Aromatherapy Recipes
for Health and Home
Aromatherapy is all about the therapeutic use of essential oils—highly aromatic substances that naturally occur in plants.
This 113-page Aromatherapy Recipes eBook offers everything a beginner needs to get started with simple aromatherapy for your health and home. The eBook includes over 60 easy recipes to help you create natural, safe and environmentally-friendly products for beauty and skin care, your health, travel, emotional wellness and for cleaning and caring for every room in your home (and your yard!).
Just $19.99! (checkout with Paypal)
- Build your collection. Learn what you need to build a basic essential oils kit for your home – including key essential oils and carriers.
- Blending basics. Discover and practice basic blending techniques that you can perform in your own kitchen, at your own table.
- A safe, non-toxic home. Find safe alternatives to toxic supermarket synthetic cleaners. Blend your own disinfectants, deodorizers, antifungals and scrubs for even your toughest cleaning problems.
- Fresh, healthy skin. Keep your skin beautiful and chemical free, using gentle, safe and natural moisturizers, cleansers, scrubs, perfumes and lotions that you create yourself.
- A healthier body. Stay healthy using simple, effective and natural preventative measures against common ailments like cold and flu.
- Safe kids & pets. Blend safe products for your home and family that are free of synthetic chemicals, common allergens and abrasive chemicals.
Just $19.99! (checkout with Paypal)
Andrea Butje writes
"I have worked with distillers and researchers in England, France, Corsica, Canada and the United States. I love to visit essential oil distillers and photograph plants. I frequently travel abroad to meet small farmers and distillers of essential oils. This hands-on experience has allowed me to remain on top of current issues and trends in the growing practice of Aromatherapy.
I have been teaching courses in the therapeutic uses of essential oils since 1995. After co-founding the successful Finger Lakes School of Massage in Ithaca NY, I developed the scientifically based 200-hour Aromatherapy Certification Program approved by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and the Scholars Program, a 400-hour Aromatherapy Certification Program approved by the Alliance of International Aromatherapists.
Education and Business: I write a blog about essential oils and the business of Aromatherapy and an educational newsletter called Essential News. I also provide a database, The International Directory of Essential Oil Distillers, for companies that want to import their own essential oils directly from distillers.
Alliance of International Aromatherapists: I currently serve on the education board, contributing to the organization's efforts to create educational standards.
Websites: I am part of a small team that developed Business Scents, a full-featured turn-key website builder for businesses in the healing arts. Business Scents websites are easily customizable templates with a library of gorgeous photography and professionally edited copy ideas.
Check out Aromahead Institute photos on flickr"
